New Delhi, May 20: Chemists across India observed a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest against the growing presence of online pharmacies and the sale of medicines through digital platforms. The strike, led by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), saw over 1.24 million private medical stores shut their doors, disrupting medicine supply in several states.

Concerns Over Online Pharmacies
Chemists’ associations allege that many e‑pharmacy platforms operate without adequate regulatory oversight. Prescriptions are often not properly verified, and norms governing storage and delivery are not strictly followed. Pharmacists warn that such practices compromise patient safety and increase the risk of counterfeit drugs, misuse of medication, and unauthorized sale of prescription medicines.

Patient Safety Issues
Pharmacy professionals highlight that traditional chemists operate under strict provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which mandate prescription verification and controlled dispensing. In contrast, e‑pharmacies are accused of bypassing safeguards, making narcotics and Schedule H drugs easily available online.

Ravi Kumar of the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association stressed the need for uniform regulations across both online and offline platforms. Association president Prasanna Kumar Singh added that medicines requiring cold‑chain storage often lose efficacy when delivered via courier services, posing health risks.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras Remain Open
Despite the strike, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras continued operations to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines. The PMBJK Retailer Association confirmed that Kendras at major hospitals, including AIIMS and Patna Medical College, remained functional to avoid inconvenience to patients.

Call for Regulation
The strike underscores the growing tension between traditional chemists and digital platforms. While online pharmacies promise convenience, chemists argue that unchecked expansion without proper regulation could endanger public health. The AIOCD has urged the government to enforce stricter rules and ensure parity in compliance standards to safeguard patients.